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10/28/2015 08:30 AMImagine working at a place where you’re surrounded by fine, handmade North American crafts all year ‘round—and as the holidays approach, more and more are added to the mix.
For non-profit Guilford Art Center’s (GAC) shop administrator, Candice Krause, setting up newly arriving pieces for the center’s on-site annual holiday Artistry sale “feels like opening gifts!” she says.
“We have constant deliveries of such beautiful and impressive works. It absolutely feels like my birthday or Christmas, multiple times a day,” says Candice. “I have an idea of what each artist does or is going to send, but it’s always a surprise when I open the boxes.”
Candice first became a fan of the shop at GAC while visiting the beautiful business (open seven days a week) during her children’s GAC class time.
“There are always fantastic programs here,” says Candice, who started her boys in GAC classes as preschoolers, and continued on with summer camps and other programming as they grew. “They would leave with super pieces of art.”
Of course, Candice left with some pretty super pieces, too, found during her visits to the shop.
“I just loved that they had really unique and different things to look at,” says Candice. “The shop is truly a unique place on the shoreline. We carry only American-made crafts that are completely handmade. When you purchase something at the shop, you are supporting American artists, as well as bringing home something that is truly unique and beautiful. “
Candice admired the shop’s mission, people and its ever changing inventory so much that, three years ago, she began volunteering to help during the shop’s busy, annual Artistry: American Craft Shopping for the Holidays sales season. Right now, the shop is gearing up to begin this season’s Artistry, opening Friday, Oct. 30 and continuing through Jan. 3, 2016. Artistry fills all of the shop spaces and spills over into GAC’s huge gallery space next door. Artistry features works by more than 200 artisans in ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, leather, ornaments, accessories, toys, specialty foods, and more. Proceeds from Artistry benefit the exhibiting artists and GAC’s educational and community programs.
Special events punctuate this one-of-a-kind shopping experience. On Thursday, Nov. 5, stop by for free refreshments, including hors d’oeuvres and wine, during the Opening Reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Candice recommends stopping by for other special Artistry evenings, too.
“We’re doing a Jewelry and Champagne night on Dec. 3; and then are ‘Fridays at Artistry’—two in November and two in December—when you can come and make a craft and have some wine and shop,” she says.
Candice and her husband, Ty, and their three kids (aged 10, 15, and 16) have lived in Guilford for 12 years. GAC was one of the first places Candice discovered here. During her time as an Artistry volunteer, Candice was made shop assistant. This past June, the position of shop administrator opened and Candice was asked to sign on to manage the shop.
“We are so pleased to have Candice join our staff,” says GAC Executive Director Maureen Belden. “Her temperament, attitude, and of course amazing sense of style, makes her a great fit for our team and for the shop.”
“I am so happy to be at the Guilford Art Center, as I so agree with its mission of promoting the arts and sharing the art experience,” says Candice. “I’m excited to have the shop administrator position so I can be surrounded by beautiful and impressive works, and most importantly, to continue to discover, support, and represent American artists.”
With a psychology degree and certification and masters in elementary education, Candice also enjoys a love of art. She’s always had plans combine her academic background with her artistic interests.
“My intention was to go into art therapy,” says Candice, adding, “I have good experience in the shopping therapy department, too!”
Working with so many amazing artisans to fill the shop’s shelves and interesting displays is truly rewarding, Candice says. On any given day, she’ll be in contact with hundreds of artisan pieces at a place that’s surrounded by artists at work.
“It’s such a great environment to be in,” says Candice. “It’s inspiring to know there’s so much creativity always going on around us here. Right now, I’m sitting here, listening to stone carvers!”
Shopping here is rewarding in many ways, too.
“Everything is unique and all North American made, and you feel good about buying local and supporting American artists,” says Candice.
For the uninitiated, a visit to Artistry is in order to find the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift at fair prices comparable to stores in malls and online. For the return shopper, Artistry is a welcome stop on the annual holiday shopping tour.
“There are people who look forward to it every year,” says Candice. “They’re so excited to come back and a lot of them are looking for specific artists they’ve come to know, or to find something from an artist for someone who’s collecting would love a gift from certain artists.”
Candice says she hopes Artistry will help introduce many new members of the public not only to the shop, but to GAC, as well.
“It’s like a little campus right here in Guilford, with the grounds and pretty gardens and the school, shop, and gallery,” Candice says. “It’s a great space, and great place to discover.”
Artistry: American Craft Shopping for the Holidays runs Oct. 30 to Jan. 3, 2016, in the shop and gallery at Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. A free Opening Reception is held Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Members’ Week (with special members benefits) runs Oct. 30 to Nov. 6. The free Jewelry & Champagne Reception is on Wednesday, Dec 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday Nights at Artistry run Nov. 13 and 20 and Dec. 4 and 11, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; drop in (no registration necessary) free and open to the public. For more information, visit Guilford Art Center at www.guilfordartcenter.org or call 203-453-5947. To read more about some of the artists who will be displaying their work at Artistry, please see the Living Section, page 26.